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Friday, 24 January 2014

Art Journalling & Acrylics Work in Progress

Many months ago (June last year) I enrolled in a Mini Online Workshop run by Valerie Sjodin focussing upon Embellishing Edges & Fitting Text into Shapes; this was a 'taster' for her series of online workshops, the first 3 of which were launched at the end of December 2013. Valerie introduces these on her blog HERE, HERE, HERE & HERE.

As I've neither used acrylics nor done any art journalling before I was rather intimidated by the 16 page size of the journal Valerie suggested making. So, I decided to work round that by creating a smaller journal from a sheet of 10 x 7 inch watercolour paper. For copyright reasons I'm not detailing Valerie's techniques or materials information.

fold over format open prior to completing internal pen work

flap closed

flap open

internal pen work

the outside with both flaps extended & lying flat

I was thinking about the kind of home I'm hoping for when we sell our house & was struck by how Gertrude Jekyll writing of the house she commissioned Edwin Lutyens to build for her reflects my own hopes for a Victorian or Edwardian property retaining some of the original period features. So, that formed part of my design together with references to the Celtic & Anglo-Saxon art I find not only delights but provides me with inspiration for drawing (the internal pattern is somewhat in the manner of a carpet page). "THE ART OF CREATION" wording has a double meaning: firstly, my belief that Creation is God's artwork; & secondly that artwork is an act of creation/creating.

Quite frankly I was astonished at what I was able to draw & how it flowed from looking at the centuries old artwork that I find thrills me. I've not thought of myself as an art journaller but this freedom to draw & create with colours using patterns that suggest themselves is something quite new to me. I'm not a planner - I have to start & then the pen & my mind will start providing suggestions.

In my next post I'll show some of my experimenting with acrylic colours ………….

15 comments:

this is beautiful, paula! i love how you replicated that flap in the 3rd picture. really brings it all together. you have so much more patience than i for the writing. and i'm wowed (is that a word?) by the linework you laid down in the first photo - gorgeous! can't wait to see it with the acrylics added!

Wow! Stunning work Paula! The more I looked the more I saw! The wording is perfect and your writing is also beautiful. Art journalling is definitely your thing! Looking forward to seeing the next steps!

Paula, you have really found your forte in my opinion. The balance and symetric patterns you create are amazing and now you have a fabulous addition with your writing. I can't wait to see it further developed when you add colour. I'm sure it will be stunning.

Paula, I know we shared our journal journey on this course, but I am still in awe of your amazing work. It is interesting you have taken your inspiration from ancient art, because I really do feel you have captured the essence of the illuminated manuscript and with your infinite patience and precision your skills have created something so very beautiful with real personal touches that are meaningful to you too. It is lovely to see your creation taking shape. This is going to be something to treasure. Elaine xxx

I too signed up to the course but because of work and family pressures have not had the time to devote to it. Your beautiful work has inspired me to set aside some time next month. Please let us see your work as it develops.

I too signed up to the course but because of work and family pressures have not had the time to devote to it. Your beautiful work has inspired me to set aside some time next month. Please let us see your work as it develops.

I know that I have shared much of your journey with you Paula, but it is lovely to see your pages here, and read your explanation behind the beautiful drawings. The designs are just lovely, and I love the older emblems and designs reflected in your pages. I look forward to reading your posts with interest as you take us along the journey of colour and learning that you have travelled. Judith xx

WOW! The intricacy of your design is mesmerizing. I love the way you incorporated your dreams for your new home into it too. This will certainly be a keepsake once you attain that dream. Blessings, my friend!

This is absolutely astonishing dear Paula!It looks like you've done it all your life. It must nourish your soul because that's the sentiment I have looking at your work of art. Bravo!I'm simply amazed!